Amitriptyline

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Harshi Dhingra, M.D.

Last Reviewed: Dec 14, 2022

Side Effects


Amitriptyline Side Effects

Possible side effects of amitriptyline are listed below. Call your doctor if these side effects are severe or persistent after a few days.

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Weakness
  • Drowsiness
  • Headache
  • Constipation
  • Dry mouth
  • Nightmares
  • Blurred vision
  • Problems with urination
  • Burning, tingling or pain in the hands or feet
  • Confusion
  • Unsteadiness
  • Excessive sweating
  • Changes in appetite or weight gain or loss
  • Changes in sex drive

Some of the adverse effects of amitriptyline can be more serious. Call your doctor right away or seek emergency medical help if you experience any of the following signs and symptoms:

  • Fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat
  • Crushing chest pain
  • Trouble breathing
  • Slow or difficult speech
  • Weakness or numbness of an arm or leg
  • Swelling of the face, throat, or tongue
  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes
  • Severe skin rash or hives
  • Muscle spasms in the jaw, neck, or back
  • Fainting
  • Uncontrolled shaking
  • Unusual bleeding or bruising
  • Hallucinations
  • Seizures

The above list may not include all the potential side effects of amitriptyline. Contact your healthcare provider if your side effects are unusual or severe or if they do not get better over time. You can also report unusual side effects to the Food and Drug Administration at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Amitriptyline Overdose: In case of an overdose of amitriptyline, call your doctor immediately. You can also call the local poison control center or national poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Signs and symptoms of amitriptyline overdose may include drowsiness, confusion, difficulty concentrating, agitation, hallucinations, fast or irregular heartbeat, rigid muscles, fever, vomiting, low body temperature, seizures, and coma.

Source: FDA